Listen to News ~ dateline: 13 March 2012
US Soldier Murders 16 in Afghanistan
Pre-Listening Vocabulary
- allegedly: believed by many to be true; not yet proven
- rampage: movement in a violent manner
- turn oneself in: to surrender to authorities after committing a crime
- rogue: villainous
- massacre: a murder involving many victims
- public trial: a court case that is open for all to see; not private
- retaliate: fight back
US Soldier Murders 16 in Afghanistan
Comprehension Questions
- Who is the murderer?
- Where did the massacre take place?
- What did Afghanistan’s parliament call for following the news of this murder?
Discussion Question: Deadly protests took place in Afghanistan after US troops burned copies of the Quran last month. What backlash can be expected from a massacre by one rogue soldier?
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US Soldier Murders 16 in Afghanistan
A US Army sergeant allegedly shot and killed 16 innocent civilians in a remote village of Afghanistan over the weekend. The rampage occurred under the cover of darkness while families were sleeping in their homes. 4 men, 3 women and 9 children were killed. The rogue soldier, who was reportedly working alone, turned himself in immediately following the massacre. US President Barack Obama apologized to the people of Afghanistan, and promised a thorough investigation. Afghanistan’s parliament is demanding a public trial for the suspect. Anti-American protests heated up immediately, and the Taliban vowed to retaliate.
- The murderer is an unnamed American soldier.
- The massacre took place at a village in Afghanistan.
- Afghanistan’s parliament called for a public trial.
Written by Tara Benwell for EnglishClub.com
Tara Benwell is a Canadian freelance writer and editor who specializes in materials and articles for the ELT industry.
